"Meredith," Gwen called out in a sing-song tone.
"Yes mother, I'm in here." Meredith answered from her dressing table. Gwen walked in to her struggling to set her hair.
"Oh come sweetheart, let me help you with that," She said to her, walking up to where she sat and taking her comb and ribbon. Meredith watched her in the mirror while she went about her business on her hair.
"You know, your dad also asked me out on a date," Gwen said joyfully.
"I know, you mentioned it while you were sending me off, remember?" Meredith replied with a question. And then she replied.
"Oh honey, at that moment, he did not tell me anything. I simply wanted to spend more time with him," She tilted towards Meredith's ear as she spoke, "Alone." She straightened back up with a broad smile on her features. Meredith giggled as she observed her in the mirror.
"Alright, all done. Tell me what you think, honey. And be truthful, you don't have to make me feel good." Gwen placed her hands on her shoulders and watched her in the mirror.
"It's beautiful mother," Meredith let her hand glide over the smooth surface of her perfect bun as she complimented her handwork. "You know," She turned to face her, while she continued.
"I find it cute that you and dad can still have such sweet moments together." She turned back to the mirror, her gaze falling while she spoke. "I really hope nothing goes wrong between Atlas and I."
"Oh honey," Gwen wrapped her arms around her shoulders from behind as she addressed her. "I see the way the young man looks at you, he wishes nothing but happiness and joy and love for you. Take it from someone who knows what all of those look like in a man's eyes." They both laughed at the subtle reference.
"And from what I've seen so far, he is very capable of giving you all of that. So, my sweet munchkin, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to that. It is clear that you both love each other, and that's the end of it. Everything else comes easy." Gwen explained thoughtfully. "Come here," she added as she pulled her into a hug.
"Thank you, mother," Meredith replied, fondling her arm thoughtfully.
"Now, if you will quit worrying about the future, we can go and figure out what we will wear to impress our boys downstairs." Gwen said as she let go of her, turning towards her door. "What do you think about matching outfits?" She asked finally.
"Agreed, but I'll pick out the dress." Meredith replied speedily. Gwen rose her hands above her head, signifying her defeat. "I'll give you the satisfaction of today," She whispered with a smile, and then she walked out of the room.
"Oh wait," She said as she popped her head back in, and then her entire body. "Since you're picking out the outfit, I have to see what you're wearing. Is that not?" She asked with a cunning smile. Meredith beheld her with a teasing look of skepticism, and then she gave in.
"Fine, mother. Go through my closet. I hope you find something that you like." Gwen was already brushing through her outfits on the hangers, and then her gaze locked with what looked like red silk. She gasped loudly, trailing back up to the hanger that held it, and then she pulled it to Meredith's line of sight.
"You have eyes for the best, mother." Meredith said with a giggle. She took the hanger from her and began to wear the dress.
"Alright, I'll take out one just like this, I hope I have it. This is too beautiful," Gwen stated gleefully and then she ran out of the room. Meredith shook her head as a laugh erupted from her depths.
"What are you ladies up to?" Lucious' voice boomed through the house.
"Nothing daddy," Meredith replied, letting out a mischievous laugh.
*****
Atlas sprung up from his seat when he beheld Meredith gracefully walking down the stairs in her pristine aura. Her dress revealed her shoulders, with a deep cut that gave ample view of her bosom, the material cinched her waist perfectly, revealing her rich curves, and gliding down in a very flowy mermaid cut.
"You've got eyes, young man. I give you that," Lucious teased as he nudged him towards her. He complied, closing what was left of the distance between himself and Meredith.
"You're absolutely breathtaking, my love," Atlas whispered his appreciation, taking both of her hands in his and kissing each knuckle with gentle touches of his lips.
"I really hope Gwen's wearing something similar," Lucious smiled, leaning into the wall behind him.
"You have your answer, Lucious." Her voice came from the top of the stairs. For the longest moment, he stared, absolutely stunned with what he beheld. Gwen donned the same dress as Meredith, except her form had more depth due to age's influence.
"Oh Gwen, I made the best choice in taking you as my very own." Lucious whispered the words as he went on one knee and took her hand in his, placing a wet kiss on her knuckle. Meredith and Marcus giggled as they watched them.
"Baby girl, you look so stunning in that dress," Gwen turned to Meredith as she spoke. "I can't imagine how much you've grown. Now, I have a clear view of just how much." A tear slipped down her cheeks as she addressed her.
"I came from you, mother, that much is clear. What do you expect?" Meredith replied as she walked into her mother's arms.
"Are you sure you want to still keep your old face? I can remove Austin's spell."
Meredith shook her head, "I'm fine with this. I grew up with this and my little brother knows this face. I don't want to scare him once he comes back from school. I'm still his big sister no matter what."
Gwen nodded in understanding, "Alright."
After what seemed like an eternity, Lucious pushed his hand between the ladies as he spoke, "Alright, okay, you've had enough of your mother.Atlas, come, take your woman," Meredith giggled as she walked into her lover's arms. "Never worry, I will come to you willingly." She whispered as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Take me away, Atlas," She said dramatically, causing the entire group to burst into laughter.